Author: Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation names Grand Island businessman Tom Dinsdale to the Board of Directors

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation names Grand Island businessman Tom Dinsdale to the Board of Directors

The Nebraska Greats Foundation names Grand Island businessman Tom Dinsdale to the Board of Directors

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 nonprofit) which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, proudly announces the addition of Grand Island businessman/philanthropist Tom Dinsdale to the 13-member Board of Directors. His selection was unanimously approved at the June 11, 2020 Board meeting in Omaha.

Dinsdale will serve an initial five-year term.

“This is a tremendous coup for the Nebraska Greats. The Dinsdales (Tom and wife, Kim) are highly sought to serve on both corporate and nonprofit boards from across the country. And why not? They are bright, experienced, successful, tireless and passionate about all things that matter to Nebraskans” says NGF Executive Director, Jim Rose.

Dinsdale, a native of Palmer Nebraska is a central Nebraska Car and Truck dealer and has served as a Vice President of Pinnacle Bank Corp. for over 35 years. He is a member of the American Legion. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsdale, a Trustee at Hastings College, were presented with the Andra Franklin Service Award by the NE Greats in 2020. Mr. Dinsdale was named 2010 Man of The Year by the Grand Island Independent.

Says Dinsdale, “”I feel an obligation to the state’s collegiate athletes who have fallen on hard times. They nor any Nebraskan should ever struggle alone.”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation supports the annual #OmahaGives campaign to support causes in the Omaha area

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation supports the annual #OmahaGives campaign to support causes in the Omaha area

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, is an enthusiastic supporter of the annual Omaha Gives campaign.

Omaha Gives urges Omahans to financially support local charities, foundations and good works organizations.

“We greatly appreciate the support for our athletes in need on #GivingTuesday, but the battle wages on and if Omaha Gives encourages donors to support the NGF in addition to other worthy causes, we will ALL be able to even better assist those in need.”  Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh.

The NGF serves athletes from 16 Nebraska colleges and Universities including Omaha-based UNO, Creighton, College of St. Mary, Bellevue University, the former Dana College in Blair and any Nebraska Cornhusker from the Omaha metro area.

Donations of any size are welcomed at www.omahagives.org Donations to the NE Greats are welcomed at www.negreats.org.

NEBRASKANS FAR AND WIDE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE NGF ON #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW, 2020

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NEBRASKANS FAR AND WIDE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE NGF ON #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW, 2020

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3) www.negreats.org generated just over $70,000 cash to assist former letter winners from each of 16 Nebraska-based 4 year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges. The effort was part of the global #GivingTuesdayNow initiative seeking global support for worthy causes.

The effort included a significant social media presence in the form of Facebook posts, tweets and videos produced by an army of athletes and coaches representing all 16 schools served by the NGF.

“This shows that to Nebraskans, the care and concern for college student-athletes is a lifelong commitment. Long after their playing days, we care about them like family. On behalf of them, THANK YOU!” Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh.

The mission of the NGF is to provide life-saving support in the form of equipment, facilities, insurance deductibles, procedures, prescription medication, and pre and post-operative care not covered by insurance and only to applicants who qualify medically and have a financial need that precludes them from getting the critical care on their own.

The NGF encourages all Nebraskans who may be aware of former athletes in need to please refer the athlete to the Foundation at www.negreats.org which will then reach out to the athlete privately. All referrals can remain anonymous.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to male or female former letter winner from any of the 16 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically. The NGF is a 501C-3 nonprofit. The NGF is a member of the Non-Profit association of the Midlands. All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

Nebraska Greats Foundation to Join #GIVINGTUESDAY

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The Nebraska Greats Foundation to Join #GIVINGTUESDAY

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501c-3 non profit) is planning a national outreach as part of the global #GivingTuesday movement on Tuesday, May 5th to raise awareness of the plight of former Nebraska college athletes.

On #GivingTuesday former athletes from each of the 16 4-year colleges and universities served by the NGF will urge fans to support former teammates in medical and financial hardship. They will produce social media posts directing fans to www.negreats.org to make cash contributions of any size.

In a recent study by Indiana University, 50% of former athletes experience some form of chronic injury from their playing days, 55% report at least one, unaffordable medical bill and 67% report suffering at least one major injury while playing.

Meanwhile, 71% of workers are under-insured and out of pocket spending for health care has risen 50% since 2010.

These statistics are even more daunting given the Covid-19 crisis which has forced many former athletes, like many Americans out of work and without adequate health insurance.

Says NGF Executive Director Jim Rose “We are blessed with a huge number of popular former athletes from all 16 schools who care about their former teammates. We are hoping they reach many of the great fans of all these schools, make them aware of what we are doing so their innate generosity to shine through. The Covid-19 pandemic is bringing out the best in all of us and we are excited to be small part of #GivingTuesday this May 5th”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically. The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit. All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

Nebraska Greats Foundation Board Members Eric Crouch and Maurtice Ivy Named to the Nebraska Athletics Hall Of Fame 2020

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Nebraska Greats Foundation Board Members Eric Crouch and Maurtice Ivy Named to the Nebraska Athletics Hall Of Fame 2020

Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors members and former Husker standouts Maurtice Ivy and Eric Crouch were announced as members of the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class for 2020.

They are joined by former volleyball coach Terry Pettit, former Volleyball standout Jordan Larson, bowling standout Amanda Burgoyne, and football/TF star Sam Francis.


Crouch, of Millard North HS was the 2001 Heisman Memorial Trophy winner as the best collegiate player in the USA after being named Big 12 Player of the Year in 1999 and 2001. He accounted for nearly 9,000 yards of total offense and scored 97 touchdowns. Earlier this spring, he was also named to the class of 2020 in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ivy, of Omaha Central was the first Husker women’s basketball player to amass 2,000 points (2,131), was a 3-time All-Big 8 pick and was the 1988 Conference Player of the Year in leading NU to the regular season title.

Says NFG Executive Director Jim Rose, “Maurtice and Eric are truly deserving of this distinction as legendary Huskers. They are fantastic ambassadors for the state and university and have been ‘game changers’ as representatives of the Nebraska Greats Foundation and all
we do.”

The class of 2020 will be inducted in the Fall.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based
colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically. The NGF is a 501C-3 non prof

Kim and Tom Dinsdale honored at NGF 2020 Celebrity Sports Night Event

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Kim and Tom Dinsdale honored at NGF 2020 Celebrity Sports Night Event

Grand Island philanthropists Kim and Tom Dinsdale were honored with the “Andra Franklin Service Award” by the Nebraska Greats Foundation at the 2020 Millard Roofing Celebrity Sports Night presented by 1st State Bank Thurs Feb 13, 2020 at the LaVista Convention Center.

“There are no two people in the world who care more about their community, state, country and the people in it than Kim and Tom.  Their support of the NGF mission has been transformational and speaks to the innate care and concern they, as Nebraskans have for each of us.” Says Jim Rose, Executive Director of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

Recognized as two of Nebraska’s most generous philanthropists Kim a native Texan and Tom, who grew up in Palmer, NE have led major development efforts at Hastings College, The Duck Derby, the United Way of the Heartland, The Stuhr Museum, Heartland Events Center, the Grand Island Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the University of Nebraska. Their commitments range from the Arts to Athletics to Education.

The Award, named after the former Husker football standout is the inspiration for the NGF. Franklin, an All Big 8 running back and 2nd round NFL draft choice, passed away in 2006 unable to access life saving medical care due to financial difficulties

In addition to the Franklin Award, the 2020 event highlights included a public reunion of the 1983 Husker Football “Scoring Explosion” backfield combination of Turner Gill, Mike Rozier, Irving Fryar and Mark Schellen reminiscing about their record setting days on and off the field.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

GTA Insurance Group joins the NGF as a Corporate Partner

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GTA Insurance Group joins the NGF as a Corporate Partner

Nebraska-based GTA Insurance Services will serve as a corporate partner of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

The two sides agreed to a 2-year partnership starting in 2020.  Terms were not disclosed.  The partnership will provide GTA Insurance Group branding opportunities through www.negreats.org and on-site activation at NGF public events in exchange for financial support of the NGF.

GTA joins Broadmoor Development, 1st State Bank and iHeart Media as official corporate partners of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.  

Says Krae DuToit, CEO of GTA Insurance Group, “We are so excited to align our agency with a foundation that prioritizes Nebraska athletics & giving back to local communities. We look forward to being an active participant in changing & directly affecting lives for the better. We appreciate & value the work that the Nebraska Greats Foundation does on a daily basis & look forward to where this partnership will lead us in the future.”

Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh, “This is another example of how an outstanding Nebraska business is stepping up to help our former athletic heroes in need.  We are so appreciative of Krae and his staff across the state for their support.”

GTA Insurance Group, formerly known as the Gary Thompson Agency currently has 22 Nebraska locations and counts a number of former Nebraska College Athletes as associates.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 nonprofit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

Former Dana College Standout Garry Clark to join the Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Dana College Standout Garry Clark to join the Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors

Garry Clark, a nine time All-American in Track and Field and holder of 11 school records at Dana College in Blair, NE has been named to the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

“Garry is a rising star in Nebraska business and credits much of his success in life to his time competing for the Dana Vikings on a college Track and Field scholarship.   We are thrilled to have him serve on the Board and as an Ambassador of the NGF mission.  The fact that he is a true representative of Nebraska’s small college community is a tremendous asset.”  Says Jim Rose Executive Director of the NGF.

Clark is currently Exec Dir of the Fremont Development Council after leadership roles with NIFA and Cuming County Economic Development.  He is also a national leader in rural economic development and was awarded a “40 under 40” distinction by the Midland’s Business Journal. 

Clark earned a BA in Sociology from Dana and a Masters of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Says Clark, “I feel extremely honored and humbled to have this opportunity.  As a Nebraska Collegiate Athlete, I found the opportunity to change my life in Nebraska, make life-long friends, build a family and so much more.  It’s totally appropriate to join an organization whose legacy is tied to providing for the needs of former Nebraska athletes like me.”

A past NGF recipient is the late Alan Pogue, a two-sport star at Dana in the mid 1980’s who passed away in 2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org